CA1316403C - Dispensing apparatus - Google Patents
Dispensing apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1316403C CA1316403C CA000585537A CA585537A CA1316403C CA 1316403 C CA1316403 C CA 1316403C CA 000585537 A CA000585537 A CA 000585537A CA 585537 A CA585537 A CA 585537A CA 1316403 C CA1316403 C CA 1316403C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- product
- dispensing apparatus
- outlet tube
- container means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
- A23G9/28—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
- A23G9/28—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
- A23G9/281—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers
- A23G9/283—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers for filling containers with material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
- A23G9/28—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
- A23G9/281—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers
- A23G9/285—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers for extruding strips, cutting blocks and manipulating cut blocks
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Confectionery (AREA)
- Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract Dispensing Apparatus Dispensing apparatus is provided for dispensing a frozen product, such as ice cream, in portions.
The apparatus uses a prefilled container of product which is located in a housing of the apparatus. The container is deformable and has an outlet through which the product issues on the application of drive to the container to deform and reduce the internal volume of the container.
Dispensing means is operated by the drive and a valve controls the discharge of product during dispensing.
To maintain the product at a low temperature the container and the outlet are located in a refrigerated housing.
The apparatus uses a prefilled container of product which is located in a housing of the apparatus. The container is deformable and has an outlet through which the product issues on the application of drive to the container to deform and reduce the internal volume of the container.
Dispensing means is operated by the drive and a valve controls the discharge of product during dispensing.
To maintain the product at a low temperature the container and the outlet are located in a refrigerated housing.
Description
1 3 1 640 ~
ispensing Apparatus This invention relates to dispensing apparatus and in particular to apparatus for dispensing frozen materia~
such as ice cream or other frozen, semi-frozen or chilled confectionery.
Ice cream is usually dispensed at the point of sale in prepacked form, by scoops out of containers in a refrigerator~ or in a flow from a freezing, mixing and dispensing machine.
Prepacked ice cream is relatively expensive to produce and distribute but has the advantage that a wide range of flavours and types of ice cream can be sold at a single outlet. The only re~uirement is a refrigerator to keep the product frozen.
Dispensing ice cream by scoop from a container has the advantage of cheapness in production and transport but dispensing of the ice cream is slow, especially when the proper hygiene precautions are taken. Scoop-dispensed ice cream also provides the facility for providing a range of ice cream including those containing fruit, nuts and other solids.
Machines for dispensing so called ~soft~ ice cream are known in which liquid ingredients are loaded into the machine which mixes, freezes and dispenses the ice cream into cones or other containers. Such machines have hitherto had high power requiremen-ts and are expensive to manufacture. Different mixing and dispensing equipment is required for each flavour so it is usual for such machines to have only a one, two or, perhaps, three l3l64n3 l flavour facility. Moreover the machines are often difficult to maintain and due to the nature of the product which must be used the ice cream does not compare favourably with the quality possible with scoop dispensed products.
In U.S. Patent 4,452,823 there is described a dispenser for frozen food product in which a collapsable container for the product is fitted with a spout through which the product is extruded directly into a receiving member.
An object of the invention is to provide dispensing apparatus which overcomes problems and disadvantages of existing systems.
Accordingly, in one aspect the invention provides a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a frozen product which comprises, deformable container means having outlet tube means, the container means being arranged to be releasably located in the apparatus after pre-filling the container 2Q means with product to be dispensed, dispensing means including drive means for deforming the container means to reduce its internal volume and cause the product to issue from the outlet tube means in incremental quantities by progressive deformation of the container means, shut-off valve means for controlling the discharge of product from the outlet tube means, a housing defining a chamber for receiving the container means, refrigeration means whereby the housing, the container means and product are kept at a low temperature, and location means for the container means 1 31 640~
I hereby the container means is secured releasably in the housing, wherein the container means has two opposed ends between which is a deformable side wall, one end of the container means comprising one end wall engaging abutment means defined by the housing and said outlet tube means being located at said one end wall, the drive means including a plunger which engages the other end of the container means opposite to the outlet tube, whereby upon operation of the drive means the length of the container means is progressively reduced.
According to the invention dispensing apparatus for dispensing a frozen product comprises deformable container means for containing the frozen product in semi-solid form to be dispensed, the container means having outlet means through which the product is discharged, dispensing means for deforming and reducing the internal volume of the container means whereby to cause product in the container means to issue from the outlet means, drive means operable to cause the dispensing means to discharge incremental quantities of product by progressive deformation of the container means, valve means for controlling the discharge of product by the dispensing means, a housing for the container means, and refrigeration means whereby the housing and container means are kept at a low temperature to maintain the product in a fro~en condition in operation.
Preferably the valve means includes a shut-off valve operation of which allows product to be dispensed and the shut-off valve is interposed in duct means through which the product passes from the container means to an outlet, at least part of the duct means being movable in and out of the housing between operating and non-operating positions.
Conveniently the container means is located in an upright position in the apparatus during discharge, the outlet means being at the lower end of the container means.
Tbe drive means may include motor means rotation of which causes the product to be dispensed by driving a plunger against the container means, and the plunger moves parallel to the axis of the container so that rotation of the motor effects a dispensing operation by deforming the container.
Conveniently the motor means is coupled to the plunger by a rotary member extending parallel to the axis of movement of the plunger and driven by the motor means, threaded engagement between the rotary member and the plunger causing said movement of the plunger when the rotary members are rotated~
The apparatus may include an upright frame having an intermediate platform for supporting the container means, above which platform is the container housing and below which is the outlet means. The outlet means may also, at least in part, be located in a refrigerated housing.
A movable support may be provided for the container means, the support being mounted on the intermediate platform and movable to a discharge position to load and unload the container means in the container housing.
1 31 6~0'~) Tlle :inv-ention also provides container means for use with the dispensing apparatus of the invention comprising a generally cylindrical body with deformable side walls and an outlet at one end, the opposite end of the body being arranged for engagement by the dispensing means.
The container means may have side walls in the manner of a bellows such that one end of the container means is movable towards the o-ther, outlet end to effect a reduction in the internal space under the action of the drive means.
The valve controlling -the discharge of produc-t during operation of the drive means may have a flexibly-walled tube and the valve is operated by pinching together the walls of the tube by control means.
Further features of the invention will appear from the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:-Fig~ 1 is a part sectional front elevation,Fig. 2 is a part sec-tional side elevation, Fig. 3 is a general elevation, Fig. 4 is a side view of a container, Fig. 5 is a side view of a container outlet, Fig. 6 is a side elevation showing alternative outlet means, and Fig. 7 is a plan view showing other outlet means.
Referring to the drawings dispensing apparatus is sho~n which includes an uprigh-t frame defining three or more compartments or housings. An upper compartment 10 houses a drive motor 11 and transmission means 12; an intermediate compartment 13 houses a further part of the 1 3~ 640~
transmission means ancl a container 14 for the product to be dispensed; and a lower compartment 15 houses the discharge means 16 for discharging the product from the container 14. A rear part 17 of the apparatus houses a compressor and refrigeration means (not shown) which may be of known form.
Each of the intermediate and lc~er compartmen-ts 13 and 15 are insulated and refrigerated7 at least in part, to retain the product in the containerl4 and in the discharge means 16 at the necessary low temperature during storage and dispensing.
The drive means for the dispenser as best seen in Fig. 1, includes the drive motor 11, conveniently a ~.C. electric motor, the rotary drive shaft of which drives, through a right angle or bevel gear 20, a vertical shaft 21 including a clutch 22 and carrying a drive pulley 23.
Below the pulley 23 the shaft 21 is threaded and threadedly engages a pressure bar 24. A drive belt 25 passes around the pulley 23 to a further pulley 26 which is mounted on a further vertical shaft 27 which is also threaded below the pulley 26 and which threadedly engages the opposite end of the pressure bar 26. At their lower ends -the shafts 21 and 27 are journalled into a plate 28 which forms a platform part of the frame and divides the upper and intermediate compartments 10 and 13.
The upper ends of the shafts 21 and 27 are journalled into the upper wall 32 of the compartment 10.
The pressure bar 24 extends between the shafts 21 and 27 and it will be seen that as the motor 11 rotates and the clutch 22 is energised the shafts 21 and 27 are simultaneously rotated to drive the bar 24 up and down. The 1 31 64n3 uIld~r~ide of` the bar 2ll carr:ies a plunger 31 which engages the top of a container lLi (Fig. 2) to clischarge produc-t from the container. The plunger 31 is shaped -to engage a recess of the shape shown in dotted lines 5 33 in Fig. 4 . Al-ternatively the container can be deformed to form the recess 33.
The con-tainer 14 is located in the compartment 13 by a part-cylindrical receiving means 35 defined by two part-cylindrical plates 36 and 37 which are spaced apart along each side to define vertical slots to admit the pressure bar 24 as -the plunger 31 i s moved up and down.
The plates 36 and 37 can, however, be omitted.
The plates 36 and 37 are fixed -to a base plate 38 which is hinged at its front edge 39 to -the frame plate 38.
15 The underside of the base plate 38 is supported by the frame plate 28 and part 38A of the pla-te 38 supports the lower end of the container and is of corresponding shape.
A central opening in that part 38A of the base plate is aligned with a corresponding opening 40 in the frame plate 28 to receive an outlet 41 of the container. The opening 40 is formed with a Morse non-stick taper and the outlet 41 is formed with a corresponding taper to cause the outle-t 41 to engage as a -taper fl-t in the opening 40. The outermost end of the outlet is formed 25 with a screw threaded portion 42 whereby a cap (not shown) may be fitted to -the container when stored.
The plate 36 is provided with a handle 43 and the arrangement of the receiving means 35 and plate 38 is such that the container 14 can be readily loaded and 30 unloaded before and after discharge of the product. This is achieved by raising the plunger 31 to its uppermost position by operation of the motor 11; opening a door -- 7 ~
1l4 at the fron-t of the compartment 13 to gain access to the interior; then grasping -the handle 43 to pivot the plate 38 forwards about the hinge 39. The container 14 can then simply be slid into the space defined by the plates 36 and 37 with its outlet 41 located in the opening in the base plate portion 38A.
The plate 38 is then tilted backwards until it engages with the frame plate 28 whereupon the outlet 41 is made a taper fit in the opening 40.
Below the frame plate 38 and fixed to its underside is a fixed block 45 (Fig. 2) with an opening 46 aligned with the opening 40 and partially tapered to receive the lower end of the con-tainer outlet 41.
Below the fixed blocl~ 45 is a longitudinally slidable discharge member 47, shown in Fig. 2 in a discharge position. In this position a duct 48 in the member 47 has its inlet end aligned with the opening 46 in the block 45. From the inlet end the duc-t 48 extends generally horizontally along the member 47 towards a discharge nozzle 49 directed downwards. A shut-off valve member 51 is carried on the discharge member 47 for movement up and down under the control of, in this case, a manually-operated operating arm 52. The arm 52 is pivotally supported at 53 on the member 47 at one end, the opposite end having a handle 54. As the valve member 51 is moved down it passes into the discharge nozzle 49 to prevent product passing from the duct 48 into the noz~le 49. On upward movement of the arm 52 and hence the member 51 the nozzle 49 is opened and 30 the upper end of the member 51 engages a swi-tch arm 55 which operates a switch 56 for actuating the motor 11.
The slidable member 47 is keyed to the fixed block 45 and 1 31 6407) if the dispenser is to remain out of action for a period, the member 47 may be pushed in to a position which prevents prcduct from passing from the con-tainer 14 into the duc-t 48. Moreover the product in the duct 4~
can be retained frozen because the member 47 when pushed in can be subs-tantially wholly located within the lower compartment 15 which is kept in a refrigerated condition.
Instead of the duct 48 extending forwardly for dispensing at the front side of the apparatus or in addition to a forwardly extending duct, a duct may extend towards the rear of the apparatus for dispensing at this position.
Moreover the apparatus may be adapted for self service operation. In the latter case the apparatus, once energised (such as by a coin freed device) will 1$ automatically dispense a predetermined quantity of product.
This may be achieved by replacing the manually operated sliding member 47 by a powered arrangement and by suitable control of the motor 11.
In an alternative arrangement to that illustrated the container outlet may include a portion in-tegral with the container 14, which exten~s through the opening 40 into a lower chamber and communicates with a deformable tube portion constituting part of a valve for controlling the discharge of product from the container.
The valve may also include a pneumatically opera-ted piston and cylinder whose axis lies generally horizontally at a right angle to the deformable tube pcrtion. The piston rod of the piston and cylinder carries on its free end a member for engaging and deforming the portion to open and close the portion and thereby enable product to pass .
alol~g -tht portion dllring d-ispensing or to prevent discharge ot the prodllc-t by pinching the sides o[` the tube por-tion -together. An abiltment plate lies against the tube portion to resist the action o~ the pis-ton and cylinder during closure of the valve.
At the ~ree end of the valve, downs-tream of the deformable tube portion, is located an outlet nozzle portion which is preferably shaped to shape the product during its discharge to give an attractive appearance.
Normally the product is dispe~sed into a container (not ~ shown~ whicll may be a cone or other edible container, or a receptacle such as a carton.
Controls 5~ are located on the front wall of the upper compartment 10 for controlling the dispensing operation.
Normally the controls would be set so tha-t the container 14 is put under constant pressure by the mo-tor ll and the clutch 22 being energised to rotate, thereby tending to deform the container to reduce its internal volume and ~orce the product through the ou-tlet. Flow of product is controlled by the valve 51 so tha-t to dispense the product it is only necessary -to open -the valve (as shown in Fig. 2) thereby allowing the product to pass along -the dllct 48 of the outlet and hence through the nozzle 49 ~or the required duration. If desired the operation of the motor 11 and/or clutch may be automatically timed so that a predetermined amount of product is discharged over the predetermined time period. Upon deenergisation of -the clutch 22 pressure on the container may be released.
However in cases where product is only to be dispensed 1 31 640~
in~requen-tly~ or ~or example cluring overnight periods, the motor 11 may be deenergised to release pressure on the container 14.
Upon the container 14 becoming empty the motor 11 is driven to retract the plunger 31 to its full extent to raise the plunger 31 and the empty container 14 is removed and replaced by a fresh, full cotainer.
The container 14 is shown in more detail in Fig. 4 and comprises a generally cylindrical body 60 in which is formed a series of corrugations 61 extending circumferentially so that the corrugations can be deformed in the axial direction of the body in the manner of a concertina or bellows. Alternatively the body 60 can be arranged to deform and reduce its internal volume by folding over the side walls on itself rather than using a bellows arrangemen-t.
At the outlet end of the container the body presents a flat surface 62 at right angles to its axis so that the surface may engage the upper surface of the base plate 38. Internally the lower or outlet end of the container may be profiled to taper towards its lower end and towards the outlet 41.
At the opposite end of the container the body is formed with the recessed portion 33 to receive the plunger 31.
The con-tainer is preferably made of flexible plastics material and may be formed by blow moulding.
131640-~
During manufactllre tlle outlet L~l is formed in-tegrally of the body.
In dispensing frozen product the con-tainer needs to be deformable at relatively low temperatures of, say, -10C to -25 ~. The container will normally be filled with product at the site of a product manufacturer and supplied as and when necessary to the apparatus user who may be a mobile or fixed retail outle-t, a restaurant or other facility. Product is poured into the container through the opening which, in a dispensing operation, is the outlet, and the product is then frozen for distribution.
It will be appreciated that several dispensing apparatus each with their associated container and individual discharge control means may be provided in a single cabinet whereby several differen-t products or different product flavours can be dispensed.
If any of the dispensing means should fail or require maintenance a replacement can be easily fitted by forming each dispensing means as a module.
Moreover the marmer of dispensing and the nature of the container is such that the product can take many forms and can include solids such as fruit9 nuts and chocolate.
Part of the apparatus, for example the compartment 13, may be arranged to provide a refrigerated storage area for filled spare containers.
If desired the dispensing rnealls may be made manually operable to obviate -the need for a power supply, other than for refrigeration, if req~ired.
For mobile appa7~atus the cooling function for the cabinet may be provided at a fixed location and effected overnight, the cabinet being adequa-tely insulated to keep the desired temperature o~ the produc-t in the cabine-t.
Although it is preferred that the container is cylindrical it will be seen that other shapes are possible. Moreover although the appara-tus is illustrated with the container 14 in an upright position the container may be arranged horizontally or at a ver-tically inclined position.
As an alternative to the dispensing arrangement of Fig. 2 an arrangement such as shown in ~ig. 6 may be employed.
In the Fig. 6 arrangement the container 14, the drive arrangement and the container outlet 41 may be arranged as for the previous embodiment. But instead of the duct arrangement 48 there is provided below the block or manifold 45 a three-way valve 70, the ~lve 70 communicating selectively between the container interior and a dosing device 71, and between the dosing device 71 and an outlet duct 72. Product is conducted frorn the valve 70 to a piston and cylinder device 73 through a pipe 74 during a container discharge opera-tion.
The piston and cylinder device 73 includes a cylinder 75 in which is located a piston 76 for defining a compartment for receiving product into the cylinder from the co~tainer ~ 13 -1'1. ~Iovemen-t o~ the piston 76 in -the cylinder 75 is achieved by a pneuma-tically-opera-ted piston and cylinder drive 78. ~Iovement of the drive in a ~illi.ng direction (to the lef-t as seen in Fig. 6) allows produc-t 5 to be direc-ted into the cylinder 75 against the piston 76.
Operation of the valve 70 to communicate between the cylinder 75 and the outlet duct 72 enables the cylinder 75 to be discharged by operation of the piston and cylinder drive 78. A quantity of product equal to the swept volume o~ the cylinder 75 is discharged along -the pipe 74 through the valve 70 and along the duct 72 towards a discharge nozzle 80.
The nozzle outlet 80 is controlled by a valve member 51 ' movable -up and down in the nozzle outlet 80 under the 15 action of a further pneumatically-operated piston and cylinder device 81.
A piston and cylinder device 82 actuates the valve 70 between said positions and the duct 72 is defined by a fixed member 83.
20 The stroke of the piston 76 in the cylinder 75 can be adjusted to vary the amount o~ product to be dispensed, i~ desired. For this purpose a piston 78A of the drive 78 is mounted on a piston rod 78B which rod protrudes from the cylinder 75 and carries a 25 longitudinally adjustable member 85. Proximity switches 86 and 87 lie adjacent the path of the member 85 to be operated upon movement of the piston 78A and piston 131640:~
_ ~4 ~
rod 78B and I;o s-tart and stop the drive 78.
It will be seen that this arrallgement lends itself to automatic operation of the dispensing of predetermined amounts of product. The dispensing of product thus follows a sequence, starting with the valve 70 in a posi-tion to direct product from the container to the dosing device 71, in which the first step is to fill the cylinder 75. Then, when filled, the cylinder 75 is emptied, having moved the valve 70 to its other position, by operation of the drive 78 and opening of the valve member 51~. The product is discharged through the ~ozzle outlet 80.
~hen discharge is complete the valve memker 51~ is closed and the valve 70 is returned to its initial position to refill the cylinder 75 ready for a commencement of a repeat sequence.
The various drive means and valves may be controlled to follow the sequence automatically -to allow coin freed or other dispensing operation by -the customer or an operative.
It will be appreciated that the drive motor 11 lor deforming the container 14 may be operable at variable speed to vary the rate at which product is discharged from the container.
It is also possible to have two or more outlets for simultaneously dispensing product at two or more locations from the same container. For example there may be outlets o-n different sides of the apparatus.
1~16~0~) A further alte:rnative -to the discharge arrangements of Figs. 2 and 6 is shol~n in Fig. 7.
In Fig. 7 the apparatus includes -the same three compartment configuration ~nd container compression arrangement as described previously but,ins-tead of the discharge arrangements for discharging the product from the container outlet 41, described above, the o-utlet 41 discharges directly into a fixed duct 90.
The duct 90 communica-tes wi-th a flexible length of ducting 91 which, in turn, communicates with a body 92 having an internal duct 93 leading to a downwardly directed outlet 94.
A valve arrangemen-t (not shown) in Fig. 7 of the kind shown in Fig. 2 or Fig. 6 controls the discharge of product along the duct 90, the ducting 91 and the duct 93.
The duct arrangement enables the body 92 to be moved backwards and forwards into and out of the lower compartment 15 in the direction of the arrow P depending on whether a dormant or operative action of the dispensing apparatus is required. Moreover the provision of the flexible ducting gl enables the door 44 to be opened and closed without disconnection of any of the discharge arrangements. For -this purpose the door 44 is hinged at 95 adjacent the flexible ducting. For the movement P
and for the door opening movement the flexible ducting is able to acco~modate the relative movement between the body 92 and the fixed duct 90.
As seen in Fig. 7 the body 92 is in its discharge position, the dormant or non-dispensing position being shown in chain line 92'.
ispensing Apparatus This invention relates to dispensing apparatus and in particular to apparatus for dispensing frozen materia~
such as ice cream or other frozen, semi-frozen or chilled confectionery.
Ice cream is usually dispensed at the point of sale in prepacked form, by scoops out of containers in a refrigerator~ or in a flow from a freezing, mixing and dispensing machine.
Prepacked ice cream is relatively expensive to produce and distribute but has the advantage that a wide range of flavours and types of ice cream can be sold at a single outlet. The only re~uirement is a refrigerator to keep the product frozen.
Dispensing ice cream by scoop from a container has the advantage of cheapness in production and transport but dispensing of the ice cream is slow, especially when the proper hygiene precautions are taken. Scoop-dispensed ice cream also provides the facility for providing a range of ice cream including those containing fruit, nuts and other solids.
Machines for dispensing so called ~soft~ ice cream are known in which liquid ingredients are loaded into the machine which mixes, freezes and dispenses the ice cream into cones or other containers. Such machines have hitherto had high power requiremen-ts and are expensive to manufacture. Different mixing and dispensing equipment is required for each flavour so it is usual for such machines to have only a one, two or, perhaps, three l3l64n3 l flavour facility. Moreover the machines are often difficult to maintain and due to the nature of the product which must be used the ice cream does not compare favourably with the quality possible with scoop dispensed products.
In U.S. Patent 4,452,823 there is described a dispenser for frozen food product in which a collapsable container for the product is fitted with a spout through which the product is extruded directly into a receiving member.
An object of the invention is to provide dispensing apparatus which overcomes problems and disadvantages of existing systems.
Accordingly, in one aspect the invention provides a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a frozen product which comprises, deformable container means having outlet tube means, the container means being arranged to be releasably located in the apparatus after pre-filling the container 2Q means with product to be dispensed, dispensing means including drive means for deforming the container means to reduce its internal volume and cause the product to issue from the outlet tube means in incremental quantities by progressive deformation of the container means, shut-off valve means for controlling the discharge of product from the outlet tube means, a housing defining a chamber for receiving the container means, refrigeration means whereby the housing, the container means and product are kept at a low temperature, and location means for the container means 1 31 640~
I hereby the container means is secured releasably in the housing, wherein the container means has two opposed ends between which is a deformable side wall, one end of the container means comprising one end wall engaging abutment means defined by the housing and said outlet tube means being located at said one end wall, the drive means including a plunger which engages the other end of the container means opposite to the outlet tube, whereby upon operation of the drive means the length of the container means is progressively reduced.
According to the invention dispensing apparatus for dispensing a frozen product comprises deformable container means for containing the frozen product in semi-solid form to be dispensed, the container means having outlet means through which the product is discharged, dispensing means for deforming and reducing the internal volume of the container means whereby to cause product in the container means to issue from the outlet means, drive means operable to cause the dispensing means to discharge incremental quantities of product by progressive deformation of the container means, valve means for controlling the discharge of product by the dispensing means, a housing for the container means, and refrigeration means whereby the housing and container means are kept at a low temperature to maintain the product in a fro~en condition in operation.
Preferably the valve means includes a shut-off valve operation of which allows product to be dispensed and the shut-off valve is interposed in duct means through which the product passes from the container means to an outlet, at least part of the duct means being movable in and out of the housing between operating and non-operating positions.
Conveniently the container means is located in an upright position in the apparatus during discharge, the outlet means being at the lower end of the container means.
Tbe drive means may include motor means rotation of which causes the product to be dispensed by driving a plunger against the container means, and the plunger moves parallel to the axis of the container so that rotation of the motor effects a dispensing operation by deforming the container.
Conveniently the motor means is coupled to the plunger by a rotary member extending parallel to the axis of movement of the plunger and driven by the motor means, threaded engagement between the rotary member and the plunger causing said movement of the plunger when the rotary members are rotated~
The apparatus may include an upright frame having an intermediate platform for supporting the container means, above which platform is the container housing and below which is the outlet means. The outlet means may also, at least in part, be located in a refrigerated housing.
A movable support may be provided for the container means, the support being mounted on the intermediate platform and movable to a discharge position to load and unload the container means in the container housing.
1 31 6~0'~) Tlle :inv-ention also provides container means for use with the dispensing apparatus of the invention comprising a generally cylindrical body with deformable side walls and an outlet at one end, the opposite end of the body being arranged for engagement by the dispensing means.
The container means may have side walls in the manner of a bellows such that one end of the container means is movable towards the o-ther, outlet end to effect a reduction in the internal space under the action of the drive means.
The valve controlling -the discharge of produc-t during operation of the drive means may have a flexibly-walled tube and the valve is operated by pinching together the walls of the tube by control means.
Further features of the invention will appear from the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:-Fig~ 1 is a part sectional front elevation,Fig. 2 is a part sec-tional side elevation, Fig. 3 is a general elevation, Fig. 4 is a side view of a container, Fig. 5 is a side view of a container outlet, Fig. 6 is a side elevation showing alternative outlet means, and Fig. 7 is a plan view showing other outlet means.
Referring to the drawings dispensing apparatus is sho~n which includes an uprigh-t frame defining three or more compartments or housings. An upper compartment 10 houses a drive motor 11 and transmission means 12; an intermediate compartment 13 houses a further part of the 1 3~ 640~
transmission means ancl a container 14 for the product to be dispensed; and a lower compartment 15 houses the discharge means 16 for discharging the product from the container 14. A rear part 17 of the apparatus houses a compressor and refrigeration means (not shown) which may be of known form.
Each of the intermediate and lc~er compartmen-ts 13 and 15 are insulated and refrigerated7 at least in part, to retain the product in the containerl4 and in the discharge means 16 at the necessary low temperature during storage and dispensing.
The drive means for the dispenser as best seen in Fig. 1, includes the drive motor 11, conveniently a ~.C. electric motor, the rotary drive shaft of which drives, through a right angle or bevel gear 20, a vertical shaft 21 including a clutch 22 and carrying a drive pulley 23.
Below the pulley 23 the shaft 21 is threaded and threadedly engages a pressure bar 24. A drive belt 25 passes around the pulley 23 to a further pulley 26 which is mounted on a further vertical shaft 27 which is also threaded below the pulley 26 and which threadedly engages the opposite end of the pressure bar 26. At their lower ends -the shafts 21 and 27 are journalled into a plate 28 which forms a platform part of the frame and divides the upper and intermediate compartments 10 and 13.
The upper ends of the shafts 21 and 27 are journalled into the upper wall 32 of the compartment 10.
The pressure bar 24 extends between the shafts 21 and 27 and it will be seen that as the motor 11 rotates and the clutch 22 is energised the shafts 21 and 27 are simultaneously rotated to drive the bar 24 up and down. The 1 31 64n3 uIld~r~ide of` the bar 2ll carr:ies a plunger 31 which engages the top of a container lLi (Fig. 2) to clischarge produc-t from the container. The plunger 31 is shaped -to engage a recess of the shape shown in dotted lines 5 33 in Fig. 4 . Al-ternatively the container can be deformed to form the recess 33.
The con-tainer 14 is located in the compartment 13 by a part-cylindrical receiving means 35 defined by two part-cylindrical plates 36 and 37 which are spaced apart along each side to define vertical slots to admit the pressure bar 24 as -the plunger 31 i s moved up and down.
The plates 36 and 37 can, however, be omitted.
The plates 36 and 37 are fixed -to a base plate 38 which is hinged at its front edge 39 to -the frame plate 38.
15 The underside of the base plate 38 is supported by the frame plate 28 and part 38A of the pla-te 38 supports the lower end of the container and is of corresponding shape.
A central opening in that part 38A of the base plate is aligned with a corresponding opening 40 in the frame plate 28 to receive an outlet 41 of the container. The opening 40 is formed with a Morse non-stick taper and the outlet 41 is formed with a corresponding taper to cause the outle-t 41 to engage as a -taper fl-t in the opening 40. The outermost end of the outlet is formed 25 with a screw threaded portion 42 whereby a cap (not shown) may be fitted to -the container when stored.
The plate 36 is provided with a handle 43 and the arrangement of the receiving means 35 and plate 38 is such that the container 14 can be readily loaded and 30 unloaded before and after discharge of the product. This is achieved by raising the plunger 31 to its uppermost position by operation of the motor 11; opening a door -- 7 ~
1l4 at the fron-t of the compartment 13 to gain access to the interior; then grasping -the handle 43 to pivot the plate 38 forwards about the hinge 39. The container 14 can then simply be slid into the space defined by the plates 36 and 37 with its outlet 41 located in the opening in the base plate portion 38A.
The plate 38 is then tilted backwards until it engages with the frame plate 28 whereupon the outlet 41 is made a taper fit in the opening 40.
Below the frame plate 38 and fixed to its underside is a fixed block 45 (Fig. 2) with an opening 46 aligned with the opening 40 and partially tapered to receive the lower end of the con-tainer outlet 41.
Below the fixed blocl~ 45 is a longitudinally slidable discharge member 47, shown in Fig. 2 in a discharge position. In this position a duct 48 in the member 47 has its inlet end aligned with the opening 46 in the block 45. From the inlet end the duc-t 48 extends generally horizontally along the member 47 towards a discharge nozzle 49 directed downwards. A shut-off valve member 51 is carried on the discharge member 47 for movement up and down under the control of, in this case, a manually-operated operating arm 52. The arm 52 is pivotally supported at 53 on the member 47 at one end, the opposite end having a handle 54. As the valve member 51 is moved down it passes into the discharge nozzle 49 to prevent product passing from the duct 48 into the noz~le 49. On upward movement of the arm 52 and hence the member 51 the nozzle 49 is opened and 30 the upper end of the member 51 engages a swi-tch arm 55 which operates a switch 56 for actuating the motor 11.
The slidable member 47 is keyed to the fixed block 45 and 1 31 6407) if the dispenser is to remain out of action for a period, the member 47 may be pushed in to a position which prevents prcduct from passing from the con-tainer 14 into the duc-t 48. Moreover the product in the duct 4~
can be retained frozen because the member 47 when pushed in can be subs-tantially wholly located within the lower compartment 15 which is kept in a refrigerated condition.
Instead of the duct 48 extending forwardly for dispensing at the front side of the apparatus or in addition to a forwardly extending duct, a duct may extend towards the rear of the apparatus for dispensing at this position.
Moreover the apparatus may be adapted for self service operation. In the latter case the apparatus, once energised (such as by a coin freed device) will 1$ automatically dispense a predetermined quantity of product.
This may be achieved by replacing the manually operated sliding member 47 by a powered arrangement and by suitable control of the motor 11.
In an alternative arrangement to that illustrated the container outlet may include a portion in-tegral with the container 14, which exten~s through the opening 40 into a lower chamber and communicates with a deformable tube portion constituting part of a valve for controlling the discharge of product from the container.
The valve may also include a pneumatically opera-ted piston and cylinder whose axis lies generally horizontally at a right angle to the deformable tube pcrtion. The piston rod of the piston and cylinder carries on its free end a member for engaging and deforming the portion to open and close the portion and thereby enable product to pass .
alol~g -tht portion dllring d-ispensing or to prevent discharge ot the prodllc-t by pinching the sides o[` the tube por-tion -together. An abiltment plate lies against the tube portion to resist the action o~ the pis-ton and cylinder during closure of the valve.
At the ~ree end of the valve, downs-tream of the deformable tube portion, is located an outlet nozzle portion which is preferably shaped to shape the product during its discharge to give an attractive appearance.
Normally the product is dispe~sed into a container (not ~ shown~ whicll may be a cone or other edible container, or a receptacle such as a carton.
Controls 5~ are located on the front wall of the upper compartment 10 for controlling the dispensing operation.
Normally the controls would be set so tha-t the container 14 is put under constant pressure by the mo-tor ll and the clutch 22 being energised to rotate, thereby tending to deform the container to reduce its internal volume and ~orce the product through the ou-tlet. Flow of product is controlled by the valve 51 so tha-t to dispense the product it is only necessary -to open -the valve (as shown in Fig. 2) thereby allowing the product to pass along -the dllct 48 of the outlet and hence through the nozzle 49 ~or the required duration. If desired the operation of the motor 11 and/or clutch may be automatically timed so that a predetermined amount of product is discharged over the predetermined time period. Upon deenergisation of -the clutch 22 pressure on the container may be released.
However in cases where product is only to be dispensed 1 31 640~
in~requen-tly~ or ~or example cluring overnight periods, the motor 11 may be deenergised to release pressure on the container 14.
Upon the container 14 becoming empty the motor 11 is driven to retract the plunger 31 to its full extent to raise the plunger 31 and the empty container 14 is removed and replaced by a fresh, full cotainer.
The container 14 is shown in more detail in Fig. 4 and comprises a generally cylindrical body 60 in which is formed a series of corrugations 61 extending circumferentially so that the corrugations can be deformed in the axial direction of the body in the manner of a concertina or bellows. Alternatively the body 60 can be arranged to deform and reduce its internal volume by folding over the side walls on itself rather than using a bellows arrangemen-t.
At the outlet end of the container the body presents a flat surface 62 at right angles to its axis so that the surface may engage the upper surface of the base plate 38. Internally the lower or outlet end of the container may be profiled to taper towards its lower end and towards the outlet 41.
At the opposite end of the container the body is formed with the recessed portion 33 to receive the plunger 31.
The con-tainer is preferably made of flexible plastics material and may be formed by blow moulding.
131640-~
During manufactllre tlle outlet L~l is formed in-tegrally of the body.
In dispensing frozen product the con-tainer needs to be deformable at relatively low temperatures of, say, -10C to -25 ~. The container will normally be filled with product at the site of a product manufacturer and supplied as and when necessary to the apparatus user who may be a mobile or fixed retail outle-t, a restaurant or other facility. Product is poured into the container through the opening which, in a dispensing operation, is the outlet, and the product is then frozen for distribution.
It will be appreciated that several dispensing apparatus each with their associated container and individual discharge control means may be provided in a single cabinet whereby several differen-t products or different product flavours can be dispensed.
If any of the dispensing means should fail or require maintenance a replacement can be easily fitted by forming each dispensing means as a module.
Moreover the marmer of dispensing and the nature of the container is such that the product can take many forms and can include solids such as fruit9 nuts and chocolate.
Part of the apparatus, for example the compartment 13, may be arranged to provide a refrigerated storage area for filled spare containers.
If desired the dispensing rnealls may be made manually operable to obviate -the need for a power supply, other than for refrigeration, if req~ired.
For mobile appa7~atus the cooling function for the cabinet may be provided at a fixed location and effected overnight, the cabinet being adequa-tely insulated to keep the desired temperature o~ the produc-t in the cabine-t.
Although it is preferred that the container is cylindrical it will be seen that other shapes are possible. Moreover although the appara-tus is illustrated with the container 14 in an upright position the container may be arranged horizontally or at a ver-tically inclined position.
As an alternative to the dispensing arrangement of Fig. 2 an arrangement such as shown in ~ig. 6 may be employed.
In the Fig. 6 arrangement the container 14, the drive arrangement and the container outlet 41 may be arranged as for the previous embodiment. But instead of the duct arrangement 48 there is provided below the block or manifold 45 a three-way valve 70, the ~lve 70 communicating selectively between the container interior and a dosing device 71, and between the dosing device 71 and an outlet duct 72. Product is conducted frorn the valve 70 to a piston and cylinder device 73 through a pipe 74 during a container discharge opera-tion.
The piston and cylinder device 73 includes a cylinder 75 in which is located a piston 76 for defining a compartment for receiving product into the cylinder from the co~tainer ~ 13 -1'1. ~Iovemen-t o~ the piston 76 in -the cylinder 75 is achieved by a pneuma-tically-opera-ted piston and cylinder drive 78. ~Iovement of the drive in a ~illi.ng direction (to the lef-t as seen in Fig. 6) allows produc-t 5 to be direc-ted into the cylinder 75 against the piston 76.
Operation of the valve 70 to communicate between the cylinder 75 and the outlet duct 72 enables the cylinder 75 to be discharged by operation of the piston and cylinder drive 78. A quantity of product equal to the swept volume o~ the cylinder 75 is discharged along -the pipe 74 through the valve 70 and along the duct 72 towards a discharge nozzle 80.
The nozzle outlet 80 is controlled by a valve member 51 ' movable -up and down in the nozzle outlet 80 under the 15 action of a further pneumatically-operated piston and cylinder device 81.
A piston and cylinder device 82 actuates the valve 70 between said positions and the duct 72 is defined by a fixed member 83.
20 The stroke of the piston 76 in the cylinder 75 can be adjusted to vary the amount o~ product to be dispensed, i~ desired. For this purpose a piston 78A of the drive 78 is mounted on a piston rod 78B which rod protrudes from the cylinder 75 and carries a 25 longitudinally adjustable member 85. Proximity switches 86 and 87 lie adjacent the path of the member 85 to be operated upon movement of the piston 78A and piston 131640:~
_ ~4 ~
rod 78B and I;o s-tart and stop the drive 78.
It will be seen that this arrallgement lends itself to automatic operation of the dispensing of predetermined amounts of product. The dispensing of product thus follows a sequence, starting with the valve 70 in a posi-tion to direct product from the container to the dosing device 71, in which the first step is to fill the cylinder 75. Then, when filled, the cylinder 75 is emptied, having moved the valve 70 to its other position, by operation of the drive 78 and opening of the valve member 51~. The product is discharged through the ~ozzle outlet 80.
~hen discharge is complete the valve memker 51~ is closed and the valve 70 is returned to its initial position to refill the cylinder 75 ready for a commencement of a repeat sequence.
The various drive means and valves may be controlled to follow the sequence automatically -to allow coin freed or other dispensing operation by -the customer or an operative.
It will be appreciated that the drive motor 11 lor deforming the container 14 may be operable at variable speed to vary the rate at which product is discharged from the container.
It is also possible to have two or more outlets for simultaneously dispensing product at two or more locations from the same container. For example there may be outlets o-n different sides of the apparatus.
1~16~0~) A further alte:rnative -to the discharge arrangements of Figs. 2 and 6 is shol~n in Fig. 7.
In Fig. 7 the apparatus includes -the same three compartment configuration ~nd container compression arrangement as described previously but,ins-tead of the discharge arrangements for discharging the product from the container outlet 41, described above, the o-utlet 41 discharges directly into a fixed duct 90.
The duct 90 communica-tes wi-th a flexible length of ducting 91 which, in turn, communicates with a body 92 having an internal duct 93 leading to a downwardly directed outlet 94.
A valve arrangemen-t (not shown) in Fig. 7 of the kind shown in Fig. 2 or Fig. 6 controls the discharge of product along the duct 90, the ducting 91 and the duct 93.
The duct arrangement enables the body 92 to be moved backwards and forwards into and out of the lower compartment 15 in the direction of the arrow P depending on whether a dormant or operative action of the dispensing apparatus is required. Moreover the provision of the flexible ducting gl enables the door 44 to be opened and closed without disconnection of any of the discharge arrangements. For -this purpose the door 44 is hinged at 95 adjacent the flexible ducting. For the movement P
and for the door opening movement the flexible ducting is able to acco~modate the relative movement between the body 92 and the fixed duct 90.
As seen in Fig. 7 the body 92 is in its discharge position, the dormant or non-dispensing position being shown in chain line 92'.
Claims (14)
1. Dispensing apparatus for dispensing a frozen product which comprises, deformable container means having outlet tube means, the container means being arranged to be releasably located in the apparatus after pre-filling the container means with product to be dispensed, dispensing means including drive means for deforming the container means to reduce its internal volume and cause the product to issue from the outlet tube means in incremental quantities by progressive deformation of the container means;
shut-off valve means for controlling the discharge of product from the outlet tube means;
a housing defining a chamber for receiving the container means;
refrigeration means whereby the housing, the container means and product are kept at a low temperature; and location means for the container means hereby the container means is secured releasably in the housing;
wherein the container means has two opposed ends between which is a deformable side wall, one end of the container means comprising one end wall engaging abutment means defined by the housing and said outlet tube means being located at said one end wall, the drive means including a plunger which engages the other end of the container means opposite to the outlet tube, whereby upon operation of the drive means the length of the container means is progressively reduced.
shut-off valve means for controlling the discharge of product from the outlet tube means;
a housing defining a chamber for receiving the container means;
refrigeration means whereby the housing, the container means and product are kept at a low temperature; and location means for the container means hereby the container means is secured releasably in the housing;
wherein the container means has two opposed ends between which is a deformable side wall, one end of the container means comprising one end wall engaging abutment means defined by the housing and said outlet tube means being located at said one end wall, the drive means including a plunger which engages the other end of the container means opposite to the outlet tube, whereby upon operation of the drive means the length of the container means is progressively reduced.
2. Dispensing apparatus according to claim l wherein said side wall is corrugated and the corrugations close up during said deformation so that said opposed ends approach one another.
3. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said outlet tube means is formed integrally with the container means and said tube means provides means for pre-filling the container means with product prior to location in the housing.
4. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the abutment means includes an opening for receiving the container outlet tube means.
5. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the outlet tube means communicates with an outlet duct in which the shut-off valve means is located, the outlet tube being in sealing engagement with the outlet duct during operation.
6. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container means has a generally cylindrical body having said side wall and circular opposed end walls, said other opposite end wall being arranged to be deformed upon engagement by the plunger and moved inwardly within the side wall.
7. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the side walls are formed in the manner of bellows, the outlet tube means projects from said one end wall and is tapered inwardly towards its outer end.
8. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the plunger is movable in an operative direction to deform the container means and in an inoperative, reverse direction to disengage from the container means.
9. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said outlet tube means is formed integrally with the container means and said tube means provides means for pre-filling the container means with product prior to location in the housing.
10. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, 3 or 9 wherein the abutment means includes an opening for receiving the container outlet tube means.
11. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 9 wherein the outlet tube means communicates with an outlet duct in which the shut-off valve means is located, the outlet tube being in sealing engagement with the outlet duct during operation.
12. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5 or 9 wherein said container means has a generally cylindrical body having said side wall and circular opposed end walls, said other opposite end wall being arranged to be deformed upon engagement by the plunger and moved inwardly within the side wall.
13. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 9 wherein the side walls are formed in the manner of bellows, the outlet tube means projects from said one end wall and is tapered inwardly towards its outer end.
14. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 9 wherein the plunger is movable in an operative direction to deform the container means and in an inoperative, reverse direction to disengage from the container means.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB878728904A GB8728904D0 (en) | 1987-12-10 | 1987-12-10 | Dispensing apparatus |
GB8728904 | 1987-12-10 | ||
GB8823584.1 | 1988-10-07 | ||
GB888823584A GB8823584D0 (en) | 1988-10-07 | 1988-10-07 | Dispensing apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA1316403C true CA1316403C (en) | 1993-04-20 |
Family
ID=26293184
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA000585537A Expired - Fee Related CA1316403C (en) | 1987-12-10 | 1988-12-09 | Dispensing apparatus |
Country Status (19)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5069364A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0348468B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2660873B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR960009710B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1019181B (en) |
AR (1) | AR246402A1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE81941T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU618979B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR8807351A (en) |
CA (1) | CA1316403C (en) |
DE (1) | DE3875727T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK172469B1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2213532B (en) |
HK (1) | HK33393A (en) |
IE (1) | IE62884B1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL88605A (en) |
MX (1) | MX172217B (en) |
RU (1) | RU2018234C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1989005096A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (67)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5620115A (en) * | 1987-12-10 | 1997-04-15 | Mcgill; Shane R. | Confection dispensing apparatus |
GB8823584D0 (en) * | 1988-10-07 | 1988-11-16 | Global Ultrafreeze Ltd | Dispensing apparatus |
US5405054A (en) * | 1988-11-22 | 1995-04-11 | Fedpak Systems, Inc. | Frozen confection dispensing apparatus |
CA2003442C (en) * | 1988-11-22 | 2002-06-04 | Donald J. Thomas | Soft serve frozen confection dispenser |
GB8905629D0 (en) * | 1989-03-11 | 1989-04-26 | Mcgill Shane R | Dispensing apparatus |
GB2234556B (en) * | 1989-07-20 | 1993-04-28 | Shane Robert Mcgill | Dispensing apparatus for frozen product |
GB8916579D0 (en) * | 1989-07-20 | 1989-09-06 | Mcgill Shane R | Dispensing apparatus |
IE902575A1 (en) * | 1989-07-20 | 1991-02-27 | Mcgill Shane Robert | Dispensing apparatus for frozen product |
DK533789D0 (en) * | 1989-10-26 | 1989-10-26 | Torben Peter Petersen | ICE MACHINE FOR DINING WITH ROTATING MIX ORGAN |
JPH0719274Y2 (en) * | 1990-10-03 | 1995-05-10 | 日世株式会社 | Soft ice cream food server |
US5417355A (en) * | 1991-08-02 | 1995-05-23 | Baskin-Robbins Usa, Co. | Dispensing valve for frozen soft serve confections |
US5244277A (en) * | 1991-08-02 | 1993-09-14 | Splendid Blend System, Inc. | Dispensing unit for frozen soft serve confections |
US5265764A (en) * | 1991-08-22 | 1993-11-30 | Ro-Co Manufacturing Co. | Apparatus for pneumatically dispensing a bagged soft frozen product |
DK0919134T3 (en) * | 1992-12-17 | 2002-02-18 | Mcgill Tech Ltd | dispensing mechanism |
GB9227028D0 (en) * | 1992-12-29 | 1993-02-24 | Five Bears Limited | Dispensing machine |
US5297401A (en) * | 1993-04-19 | 1994-03-29 | Hawco James H | Ice maker reservoir apparatus |
US5421484A (en) * | 1993-07-07 | 1995-06-06 | Polar Express International, Inc. | Frozen dessert dispensing apparatus |
US5494194A (en) * | 1993-12-10 | 1996-02-27 | White Consolidated Industries, Inc. | Viscous material dispenser |
US5411065A (en) * | 1994-01-10 | 1995-05-02 | Kvm Technologies, Inc. | Liquid specimen transfer apparatus and method |
DE9400524U1 (en) * | 1994-01-13 | 1995-05-18 | Thera Ges Fuer Patente | Device for emptying a tubular bag |
US5505336A (en) * | 1994-02-14 | 1996-04-09 | The Diggs Group | Ice cream dispenser |
US6056157A (en) | 1994-03-14 | 2000-05-02 | Gehl's Guernsey Farms, Inc. | Device for dispensing flowable material from a flexible package |
EP1710205A3 (en) * | 1994-07-02 | 2006-10-18 | McGILL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED | Food dispensing apparatus |
US5549141A (en) * | 1994-07-19 | 1996-08-27 | Kvm Technologies, Inc. | Liquid container sample transfer method and apparatus |
AUPN262395A0 (en) * | 1995-04-24 | 1995-05-18 | Van Zeeland, Gregory Russell | An improved dispensing apparatus |
US5967381A (en) * | 1996-04-24 | 1999-10-19 | Gregory Russell Van Zeeland | Dispensing apparatus and container |
US5775533A (en) * | 1996-09-11 | 1998-07-07 | Lancer Partnership Ltd. | Apparatus for dispensing soft serve frozen product |
US5788120A (en) * | 1996-11-14 | 1998-08-04 | Europex Systems, Inc. | Spout for a frozen dessert bag |
JP3699233B2 (en) * | 1997-02-25 | 2005-09-28 | ホシザキ電機株式会社 | Frozen dessert dispensing device |
EP0956777B1 (en) * | 1998-05-13 | 2005-04-13 | Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. | Process and apparatus for moulding of ice-creams |
IL129539A (en) * | 1998-05-13 | 2002-02-10 | Nestle Sa | Process and device for moulding frozen confectionary articles |
US6016935A (en) * | 1998-08-01 | 2000-01-25 | Star Manufacturing International, Inc. | Viscous food dispensing and heating/cooling assembly and method |
GB2342957A (en) * | 1998-10-20 | 2000-04-26 | Andrew Michael Wells | Frozen dessert dispensing system |
US6155461A (en) * | 1999-03-08 | 2000-12-05 | Hoshizaki Denki Co., Ltd. | Frozen dessert dispenser with inclinable dispensing cylinder |
AU4686600A (en) * | 1999-04-27 | 2000-11-10 | Michael C. Johnson | Dispensing machine with portion control |
US6758056B1 (en) | 1999-05-12 | 2004-07-06 | Nestec S.A. | Apparatus and process for molding frozen ice confectionery compositions into articles |
US6264066B1 (en) | 1999-07-15 | 2001-07-24 | Grand Soft Equipment Co. | Apparatus and method for dispensing a desired portion of frozen product |
GB0003820D0 (en) * | 2000-02-19 | 2000-04-05 | Mcgill Tech Ltd | Dispensing apparatus |
ES2205953B2 (en) * | 2000-04-12 | 2005-04-16 | Unilever, N.V. | EXTRUDING MACHINE OF EDIBLE ICE CREAM. |
US6378740B1 (en) | 2000-06-16 | 2002-04-30 | Mush, Inc. | Portable frozen beverage dispenser |
KR100401257B1 (en) * | 2000-10-09 | 2003-10-17 | 삼성광주전자 주식회사 | Vending machine for ice cream |
US20020119221A1 (en) * | 2000-12-19 | 2002-08-29 | Humiaki Matsukura | Food package and method and device for extrusion of food |
US20020150664A1 (en) * | 2001-01-31 | 2002-10-17 | Miller Eric R. | Frozen dessert distribution and serving system and associated methods |
US6726061B2 (en) | 2001-03-01 | 2004-04-27 | Afp Advanced Food Products Llc | System for dispensing a viscous comestible product |
US20030090958A1 (en) * | 2001-11-15 | 2003-05-15 | Miller Eric R. | Frozen confection dispenser and associated methods |
US20030168479A1 (en) * | 2002-03-11 | 2003-09-11 | Technology Resource International Corporation | Method and apparatus for dispensing a fluid |
MXPA05008160A (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2005-10-06 | Nestec Sa | Viscous food and beverage dispensing system. |
KR100594237B1 (en) * | 2003-06-02 | 2006-06-30 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Apparatus and method for converting scanning method |
SE530703C2 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-08-19 | Asept Int Ab | Device for dispensing and dispensing means for such device |
GB2448934A (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2008-11-05 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Extendable and retractable nozzle |
BRPI0820709A2 (en) * | 2007-11-07 | 2014-12-23 | Nestec Sa | FOOD PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEM |
DE102007054431A1 (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2009-05-14 | Krones Ag | Device for removing liquids from a container |
US20100264386A1 (en) * | 2009-04-16 | 2010-10-21 | Dvorak Steven G | Pneumatic Apparatus For Use In Lifting And Installing Garbage Disposers |
IT1395623B1 (en) * | 2009-10-22 | 2012-10-16 | S P M Drink Systems S R L Ora S P M Drink System Spa | APPARATUS TO SUPPLY A FOOD PRODUCT |
SE534359C2 (en) * | 2009-11-25 | 2011-07-26 | Asept Int Ab | Apparatus for dispensing liquid or semi-liquid products from a collapsible container of flexible material |
IT1400195B1 (en) | 2010-04-15 | 2013-05-24 | Carpigiani Group Ali Spa | BACTERIAL CHARGE CONTROL DEVICE FOR A LIQUID OR SEMILIQUID FOOD PRODUCT. |
AU2015200189B2 (en) * | 2010-07-16 | 2016-04-14 | Mcgill Technology Limited | Dispensing apparatus |
WO2012007772A2 (en) | 2010-07-16 | 2012-01-19 | Mcgill Technology Limited | Dispensing apparatus and container for dispensing frozen confections |
GB2495684A (en) | 2010-07-16 | 2013-04-17 | Mcgill Tech Ltd | Dispensing apparatus |
ITBO20110165A1 (en) * | 2011-03-30 | 2012-10-01 | Carpigiani Group Ali Spa | MACHINE FOR THE PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF SEMILIATED AND / OR SEMISOLIDED PRODUCTS. |
PL2775855T3 (en) | 2012-02-14 | 2020-07-27 | Solo Gelato Ltd. | System and method for the preparation of cooled edible products |
US9597706B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2017-03-21 | Rooftop Research, Llc | Container and substance dispensing system |
WO2015022678A1 (en) * | 2013-08-14 | 2015-02-19 | Beth Halachmi Barak | System, machine and method for the preparation of cooled edible products |
WO2015031884A1 (en) | 2013-08-30 | 2015-03-05 | Flow Control Llc. | High viscosity portion pump |
CO2019010006A1 (en) * | 2019-09-13 | 2021-03-19 | Riano Bernal Hector Augusto | Dosing device - product dispenser |
IT202000004708A1 (en) * | 2020-03-05 | 2021-09-05 | Ali Group Srl Carpigiani | MACHINE FOR MAKING LIQUID OR SEMIQUID PRODUCTS. |
US11130668B1 (en) * | 2020-05-05 | 2021-09-28 | Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | Mobile frozen food dispenser |
Family Cites Families (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2559840A (en) * | 1946-04-06 | 1951-07-10 | Robert L Arthur | Ice cream dispenser |
US2558887A (en) * | 1948-11-01 | 1951-07-03 | Thomas R Tesiero | Ice-cream dispenser |
US2631761A (en) * | 1950-07-11 | 1953-03-17 | Sam R Gates | Follower type ice-cream dispensing machine |
US3104031A (en) * | 1961-01-26 | 1963-09-17 | Milan F Wagner | Dispenser with a cartridge having a paste composition therein |
US3155281A (en) * | 1962-04-09 | 1964-11-03 | Questron America Inc | Container |
US3349973A (en) * | 1964-02-04 | 1967-10-31 | Chemetron Corp | Receptacle filling machines |
US3371822A (en) * | 1966-07-01 | 1968-03-05 | Galloway Co | Bulk delivery, storage and dispensing apparatus for liquid ice cream mixes and the like |
US3677443A (en) * | 1969-07-14 | 1972-07-18 | Dca Food Ind | Apparatus for dispensing frozen comestibles |
US3826409A (en) * | 1971-06-25 | 1974-07-30 | E Chilcoate | Liquid dosage dispenser |
DE2714611C2 (en) * | 1977-04-01 | 1982-04-08 | M.A.N.- Roland Druckmaschinen AG, 6050 Offenbach | Device for squeezing paint out of a paint can arranged above the paint fountain of a printing machine |
GB2072017A (en) * | 1980-03-17 | 1981-09-30 | Peters J L | Medical syringe |
US4452823A (en) * | 1981-01-26 | 1984-06-05 | Landwide Foods, Inc. | Packaged frozen food product |
US4574987A (en) * | 1984-05-01 | 1986-03-11 | General Foods Corporation | Dispenser package for soft-frozen comestibles |
GB2159583A (en) * | 1984-05-30 | 1985-12-04 | Kelvin Dawes | Liquid dispensing apparatus |
US4775564A (en) * | 1985-03-11 | 1988-10-04 | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company | Collapsible-stable blown container |
WO1987003557A1 (en) * | 1985-12-06 | 1987-06-18 | Cromwell Semple Beggs | Improvements in storage and dispensing means for liquids |
EP0246052A1 (en) * | 1986-05-10 | 1987-11-19 | Cadbury Schweppes Limited | Improvements relating to beverage dispensers |
DE3618634A1 (en) * | 1986-06-03 | 1987-12-10 | Jean Pierre Denis | DISPENSER FOR BEVERAGES |
US4796784A (en) * | 1987-07-02 | 1989-01-10 | G & S Metal Product Company, Inc. | Soft ice cream dispenser |
US4871001A (en) * | 1987-12-31 | 1989-10-03 | House Food Industrial Company, Ltd. | Device for filling viscous material |
CA2003442C (en) * | 1988-11-22 | 2002-06-04 | Donald J. Thomas | Soft serve frozen confection dispenser |
AU2929889A (en) * | 1989-01-09 | 1990-08-01 | Victor Manuel Pracas | Confectionery storage and dispensing device |
-
1988
- 1988-12-01 GB GB8828043A patent/GB2213532B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-12-06 IL IL88605A patent/IL88605A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1988-12-07 JP JP1500081A patent/JP2660873B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-12-07 EP EP89900281A patent/EP0348468B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-12-07 AU AU28107/89A patent/AU618979B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1988-12-07 KR KR1019890701512A patent/KR960009710B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1988-12-07 WO PCT/GB1988/001054 patent/WO1989005096A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1988-12-07 BR BR888807351A patent/BR8807351A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1988-12-07 AT AT89900281T patent/ATE81941T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1988-12-07 DE DE8989900281T patent/DE3875727T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-12-07 US US07/399,536 patent/US5069364A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-12-08 MX MX014085A patent/MX172217B/en unknown
- 1988-12-09 AR AR88312677A patent/AR246402A1/en active
- 1988-12-09 IE IE366988A patent/IE62884B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1988-12-09 CN CN88108402A patent/CN1019181B/en not_active Expired
- 1988-12-09 CA CA000585537A patent/CA1316403C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1989
- 1989-08-09 RU SU894614768A patent/RU2018234C1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1989-08-10 DK DK198903925A patent/DK172469B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1993
- 1993-04-08 HK HK333/93A patent/HK33393A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU618979B2 (en) | 1992-01-16 |
CN1019181B (en) | 1992-11-25 |
AU2810789A (en) | 1989-07-05 |
US5069364A (en) | 1991-12-03 |
DE3875727D1 (en) | 1992-12-10 |
IL88605A0 (en) | 1989-07-31 |
DK172469B1 (en) | 1998-09-07 |
GB8828043D0 (en) | 1989-01-05 |
DK392589A (en) | 1989-08-10 |
DE3875727T2 (en) | 1993-03-18 |
KR960009710B1 (en) | 1996-07-23 |
KR900700017A (en) | 1990-08-11 |
EP0348468A1 (en) | 1990-01-03 |
BR8807351A (en) | 1990-02-13 |
IE883669L (en) | 1989-06-10 |
JPH02502249A (en) | 1990-07-26 |
MX172217B (en) | 1993-12-08 |
AR246402A1 (en) | 1994-08-31 |
HK33393A (en) | 1993-04-16 |
DK392589D0 (en) | 1989-08-10 |
GB2213532A (en) | 1989-08-16 |
CN1035090A (en) | 1989-08-30 |
WO1989005096A1 (en) | 1989-06-15 |
ATE81941T1 (en) | 1992-11-15 |
IL88605A (en) | 1992-09-06 |
RU2018234C1 (en) | 1994-08-30 |
JP2660873B2 (en) | 1997-10-08 |
IE62884B1 (en) | 1995-03-08 |
EP0348468B1 (en) | 1992-11-04 |
GB2213532B (en) | 1992-01-29 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA1316403C (en) | Dispensing apparatus | |
US5620115A (en) | Confection dispensing apparatus | |
US5215222A (en) | Collapsible dispensing container | |
US5957040A (en) | Continuously operational high volume frozen confection dispensing machine | |
US7861890B2 (en) | Dispensing apparatus and method for semi-solid product | |
JP4383874B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for producing and dispensing aerated and / or mixed foods | |
EP0832568B1 (en) | Dispensing mechanism | |
JP3840562B2 (en) | Dispensing device | |
EP0995685B1 (en) | Frozen Dessert Dispensing System | |
US5149551A (en) | Apparatus for and method of dispensing food product such as hard ice cream | |
GB2230057A (en) | Dispensing apparatus for frozen products | |
US5775533A (en) | Apparatus for dispensing soft serve frozen product | |
CA2466511A1 (en) | Frozen confection dispenser and associated methods | |
EP1123010B1 (en) | A dispenser for dispensing frozen dessert from pre-filled containers, and a dispensing system including a dispenser and a plurality of containers | |
NZ228241A (en) | Apparatus for storing and dispensing frozen semi-solid product from collapsible container | |
GB2342957A (en) | Frozen dessert dispensing system | |
CA2194224C (en) | Container for dispensing apparatus | |
CA2251065C (en) | Frozen dessert dispensing system | |
RU39045U1 (en) | PLANT FOR PACKING PASTE FROZEN FOOD | |
AU2002348290A1 (en) | Frozen confection dispenser and associated methods |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
MKLA | Lapsed |